Respiratory infections can hit people living with asthma, COPD, respiratory allergies and other chronic respiratory diseases particularly hard. Yet across Europe, access to vaccination, information and support still depends too much on where people live and the care they receive.
On #EURespiDay, 14 October 2026, EFA launched its new Manifesto for Equitable Access to Vaccination, developed with 16 EFA member organisations from 15 countries.
The manifesto brings respiratory patient priorities directly into the vaccination debate. Its starting point is that vaccines may be available, but that does not automatically mean people can access them, know which vaccines are recommended for them or receive consistent advice as part of their respiratory care.
Patients still face financial barriers, differences between national recommendations, missed opportunities in healthcare and misinformation around vaccination.
EFA is calling for vaccination to become a more consistent part of respiratory care, with clearer information, better support for healthcare professionals and fewer financial and practical barriers. Patients and patient organisations also need a stronger role in shaping vaccination policies and in measuring whether they are actually reaching the people who need them.
Taking patient priorities to the European Parliament
On the same day, EFA joined the Steering Group on Prevention of Respiratory Infections at the European Parliament for an event - Healthy populations, resilient systems, stronger economies: The case for EU leadership on respiratory immunisation.
Hosted by MEP Aurelijus Veryga, the #EURespiDay event brought policymakers, patients, healthcare professionals and respiratory health organisations together to discuss stronger EU action on respiratory infection prevention and immunisation.
Karen Vande Casteele from EFA’s Belgian member Astma- en Allergiekoepel shared her experience of living with severe asthma and the barriers and misinformation patients can encounter around vaccination.
EFA Senior Policy Advisor Panagiotis Chaslaridis brought the priorities of the new manifesto into the discussion, highlighting the need for better communication and awareness, greater investment in prevention and stronger cooperation between patients, healthcare professionals, policymakers and other actors.
These priorities also point to a bigger question for Europe: if we know respiratory infections can be prevented, how do we make prevention easier and more consistent for people at higher risk?
Breathe Better, Get Your Vaccine
The manifesto is part of EFA’s Breathe Better, Get Your Vaccine project work, which brings the respiratory patient perspective into vaccination policy.
For EFA, this means looking beyond vaccine availability. People need clear and trusted information, recommendations that reflect their health needs, affordable access and vaccination that is better connected with routine respiratory care. It also means listening to patients.
The new manifesto was built with EFA members across Europe, reflecting the barriers they see in their countries and the changes respiratory patients need.
Breathe Better, Get Your Vaccine project will continue building on these recommendations, working with the #EFACommunity and partners to support better awareness, stronger vaccination policies and more equitable access across Europe.
Read the Manifesto for Equitable Access to Vaccination
Learn more about Breathe Better, Get Your Vaccine project
Read more about #EURespiDay 2026 on EFA’s Linkedin